Lobster, steamers comes to downtown The Publick House makes it their signature dish

By John Nolan

jnolan@fosters.com

Thursday, December 26, 2013

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From left, The Publick House and Prohibition Music Room’s general manager Lucas Carlson, Chef John Bertrand, and owner Anthony Ejarque have created an affordable and exciting dining experience in an upscale setting. (John Nolan/Times photo)

ROCHESTER — The Publick House, a remodeled restaurant, bar and entertainment spot, at 45 North Main St., had a “soft opening” in mid-December, and is now picking up steam.

Steamers, too, for along with lobsters, they will be the signature dishes on a menu described by owner Anthony Ejarque as “eclectic American cuisine.”

The general manager of the restaurant, which can accommodate 75 people downstairs, and 130 on the upper floor, is Lucas Carlson. He has been with Ejarque for 10 years — most recently at The Garage — and prior to that, had a decade of experience with a large catering company in San Jose, Calif. His right-hand man is Chef John Bertrand, whose 30 years of experience includes stints at Pier 2 and the Oar House in Portsmouth and several other of the Seacoast’s fine dining spots. Bertrand has been a Rochester resident for a dozen years, and, seeing chef’s position advertised, decided to shorten his daily commute, applied, and was hired.

Ejarque, Carlson and Bertrand, in collaboration, have come up with a surprisingly large menu of “sharables, soups and salads, and dozens of main courses. Seafood is prominently featured — the lobster tank is near the entrance — and choices also include a variety of burgers, racks of ribs, steaks, and dishes you don’t meet every day, like mushroom and ale pie. They have also added gluten free, and vegetarian choices, along with a kids’ menu.

Lobsters, may be their special niche, though, and Bertrand says they come stuffed, baked, fried, boiled, with a salad or with a steak ... however the diner chooses.

The 45 North Main Street building, itself, dates back over 150 years, and the remodeled booths and common center seating, along with the lighting and wall decor, have been done tastefully to accent the historic nature. The finished effect is reminiscent of, but superior to the Press Room in Portsmouth,

“The theme is a homage to old pubs,” said Ejarque. “It will really add something to downtown, and the more places like this, the better for everybody.”

The remodeling of the restaurant has been assisted by a JOB loan from the city’s revolving fund set up to help companies create jobs.

“The city of Rochester is pleased to help The Publick House with their opening by providing a $10,000 JOB Loan,” said Mary Ellen Humprey, of the Economic Development Department. “This one was especially important as the business will bring downtown foot traffic and add to our restaurant inventory. Anthony is an experienced restaurateur and we are confident The Publick House will be a great asset to the city.”

The JOB Loan is sourced from federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding.

“This same program has helped several other businesses over recent years, including Thompson Investment Casting and LHR Sporting Arms. It is intended to help create or maintain local jobs,” said Humphrey.

The Publick House will be open on Tuesdays and Sundays from 4 to 9 p.m. and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m.

The Prohibition Music Room, above, which includes a dance floor with a splendid view of Main Street, will be open Wednesday through Saturday, from 4 p.m. until closing time. The first live band, Kevin Bacon’s Underground Tree, is booked to play its version of acoustic rock on Friday, Dec. 27. Meanwhile there will be D.J.s and karaoke nights, line dancing, and everyone is invited to “toast in the New Year” on Dec. 31, most likely with a D.J. playing classic ‘80s songs.

The bars, upstairs and down, serve a variety of drinks, including Smithwick’s Ale, Guinness and a range of American IPAs. For more information, call 948-1082, or take a minute and type in www.facebook.com/publickhouseprohibitonroom